Acts 14:15
New International Version
“Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.

New Living Translation
“Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them.

English Standard Version
“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.

Berean Standard Bible
“Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.

Berean Literal Bible
and saying, "Men, why do you do these things? We also are men of like nature with you, proclaiming the gospel to you, to turn from these vanities to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them,

King James Bible
And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

New King James Version
and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them,

New American Standard Bible
and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men, of the same nature as you, preaching the gospel to you, to turn from these useless things to a living God, who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND EVERYTHING THAT IS IN THEM.

NASB 1995
and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM.

NASB 1977
and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you in order that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM.

Legacy Standard Bible
and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, proclaiming the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM.

Amplified Bible
“Men, why are you doing these things? We too are only men of the same nature as you, bringing the good news to you, so that you turn from these useless and meaningless things to the living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND EVERYTHING THAT IS IN THEM.

Christian Standard Bible
“People! Why are you doing these things? We are people also, just like you, and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Men! Why are you doing these things? We are men also, with the same nature as you, and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.

American Standard Version
and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good tidings, that ye should turn from these vain things unto a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:

Contemporary English Version
Why are you doing this? We are humans just like you. Please give up all this foolishness. Turn to the living God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.

English Revised Version
and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good tidings, that ye should turn from these vain things unto the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
and said, "Men, what are you doing? We're human beings like you. We're spreading the Good News to you to turn you away from these worthless gods to the living God. The living God made the sky, the land, the sea, and everything in them.

Good News Translation
"Why are you doing this? We ourselves are only human beings like you! We are here to announce the Good News, to turn you away from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven, earth, sea, and all that is in them.

International Standard Version
"Men, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings with natures like yours. We are telling you the good news so you'll turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them.

Majority Standard Bible
“Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.

NET Bible
"Men, why are you doing these things? We too are men, with human natures just like you! We are proclaiming the good news to you, so that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything that is in them.

New Heart English Bible
"Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them;

Webster's Bible Translation
And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach to you, that ye should turn from these vanities to the living God, who made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them.

Weymouth New Testament
We also are but men, with natures kindred to your own; and we bring you the Good News that you are to turn from these unreal things, to worship the ever-living God, the Creator of earth and sky and sea and of everything that is in them.

World English Bible
“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of the same nature as you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and saying, “Men, why do you do these things? And we are similar-feeling men with you, proclaiming good news to you, to turn to the living God from these vanities, who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all the things in them;

Berean Literal Bible
and saying, "Men, why do you do these things? We also are men of like nature with you, proclaiming the gospel to you, to turn from these vanities to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them,

Young's Literal Translation
and saying, 'Men, why these things do ye? and we are men like-affected with you, proclaiming good news to you, from these vanities to turn unto the living God, who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all the things in them;

Smith's Literal Translation
And saying, Men, why do ye these things? We also are men of similar passions with you, announcing good news to turn you back from these vanities to the living God, who made heaven, and earth, and sea, and all in them:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And saying: Ye men, why do ye these things? We also are mortals, men like unto you, preaching to you to be converted from these vain things, to the living God, who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them:

Catholic Public Domain Version
and saying: “Men, why would you do this? We also are mortals, men like yourselves, preaching to you to be converted, from these vain things, to the living God, who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them.

New American Bible
“Men, why are you doing this? We are of the same nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God, ‘who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them.’

New Revised Standard Version
“Friends, why are you doing this? We are mortals just like you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And saying, Men, what are you doing? We also are ordinary human beings like you, who preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God who made heaven and earth and the sea and all things that are therein,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they were saying, “Men, what are you doing? We are also men of passions like you, we who preach to you that you should turn from these worthless things to THE LIVING GOD who made The Heavens and The Earth and The Sea and all that is in them,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and saying: Men, why are you doing these things? We also are human beings, with passions like your own, and we preach the gospel to you, that you may turn from these vanities to the living God, who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them;

Godbey New Testament
Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of like suffering with you, preaching the gospel to you that you should turn from these vanities to the living God, who created the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all things which are in them:

Haweis New Testament
and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We too are mortals subject to the same infirmities with you; preaching to you the gospel, that ye should turn from these vain things unto the living God, who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things which are therein:

Mace New Testament
cry'd out, "sirs, what are you going to do? we are but men as well as you, and we exhort you to renounce these vanities, and turn to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth and the sea, and all that they contain:

Weymouth New Testament
We also are but men, with natures kindred to your own; and we bring you the Good News that you are to turn from these unreal things, to worship the ever-living God, the Creator of earth and sky and sea and of everything that is in them.

Worrell New Testament
and saying, "Men, why do ye these things? We also are men of like nature with you, proclaiming to you glad tidings, that ye should turn from these vanities to the living God, Who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them;

Worsley New Testament
crying out, and saying, "Sirs, why do ye these things? we also are men subject to the like infirmities with you, and we preach the gospel unto you, that ye may turn from these vanities to the living God, who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Visit to Lystra and Derbe
14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul found out about this, they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, shouting, 15 “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16In past generations, He let all nations go their own way.…

Cross References
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Exodus 20:11
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, but on the seventh day He rested. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.

Psalm 146:6
the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He remains faithful forever.

Isaiah 42:5
This is what God the LORD says—He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it:

Jeremiah 10:11-12
Thus you are to tell them: “These gods, who have made neither the heavens nor the earth, will perish from this earth and from under these heavens.” / The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.

Nehemiah 9:6
You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all things, and the host of heaven worships You.

Psalm 115:15
May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 124:8
Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Isaiah 45:18
For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens—He is God; He formed the earth and fashioned it; He established it; He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited: “I am the LORD, and there is no other.

Revelation 14:7
And he said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship the One who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and the springs of waters.”

Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.

1 Corinthians 8:6
yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.

Colossians 1:16
For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Hebrews 1:10
And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.

Revelation 4:11
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.”


Treasury of Scripture

And saying, Sirs, why do you these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach to you that you should turn from these vanities to the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

Sirs.

Acts 7:26
And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?

Acts 16:30
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Acts 27:10,21,25
And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives…

why.

Acts 10:26
But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

Revelation 19:19
And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

Revelation 22:9
Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

We also.

Acts 3:12,13
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? …

Acts 12:22,23
And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man…

Genesis 41:16
And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

of like.

James 5:17
Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

Revelation 19:10
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

and preach.

Acts 17:16-18,29,30
Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry…

Acts 26:17-20
Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, …

from.

Deuteronomy 32:21
They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

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Acts 14
1. Paul and Barnabas are persecuted from Iconium.
8. At Lystra Paul heals a cripple, whereupon they are reputed as gods.
19. Paul is stoned.
21. They pass through various churches, confirming the disciples in faith and patience.
26. Returning to Antioch, they report what God had done with them.














Men, why are you doing this?
This phrase is a direct address from Paul and Barnabas to the people of Lystra, who were attempting to offer sacrifices to them, mistaking them for gods. The Greek word for "men" here is "ἄνδρες" (andres), which is often used to denote men in a general sense, emphasizing their humanity. This address serves as a reminder of the commonality between the apostles and the Lystrans, highlighting that they are all human and not divine. The question "why are you doing this?" challenges the actions of the crowd, urging them to reconsider their misguided worship. It reflects a call to rationality and truth, encouraging the people to turn away from idolatry.

We too are only men, human like you
Paul and Barnabas emphasize their humanity with the phrase "We too are only men." The Greek word "ὁμοιοπαθεῖς" (homoiopathēs) is used here, meaning "of like nature" or "subject to the same passions." This underscores the apostles' shared human experience with the Lystrans, reinforcing that they are not divine beings. This statement is a profound declaration of humility and truth, as it redirects the focus from the messengers to the message they bring. It serves as a reminder that all humans, regardless of their role or status, are equal before God.

We are bringing you good news
The phrase "good news" is translated from the Greek word "εὐαγγελίζω" (euangelizō), which means to proclaim the gospel or good tidings. This is the core mission of Paul and Barnabas—to share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The "good news" is not just a message of hope but a transformative truth that calls for a response. It is the central theme of the apostles' ministry and the driving force behind their journey.

that you should turn from these worthless things
The term "worthless things" refers to the idols and false gods that the Lystrans were worshiping. The Greek word "ματαίων" (mataiōn) conveys the idea of emptiness or futility. Paul and Barnabas are urging the people to abandon their idolatry, which is ultimately unfulfilling and devoid of true power. This call to "turn" is a call to repentance, a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, which involves a complete change of direction in one's life.

to the living God
The "living God" contrasts sharply with the "worthless things" of idolatry. The Greek word "ζῶντι" (zōnti) emphasizes that God is alive, active, and present. Unlike the lifeless idols, the living God is the source of all life and creation. This phrase is a powerful declaration of the nature of God, who is not only alive but also life-giving. It invites the Lystrans to enter into a relationship with the true and living God.

who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them
This phrase affirms God's sovereignty and creative power. It echoes the language of Genesis 1 and the Psalms, which celebrate God as the Creator of all things. The reference to "heaven and the earth and the sea" encompasses the entirety of creation, emphasizing that God is the ultimate authority over all. This declaration serves to remind the Lystrans of the true source of life and existence, calling them to worship the Creator rather than the creation. It is an invitation to recognize the majesty and power of God, who is worthy of all praise and adoration.

(15) Sirs, why do ye these things?--It is natural to suppose that the words were spoken in the Greek in which St. Luke records them, and therefore that St. Paul's previous teaching had been in the same language. The metrical structure of the. close of the speech (see Note on Acts 14:17) leaves hardly a shadow of doubt on this point.

We also are men of like passions with you.--The word, which expresses participation in all the passive conditions of human life, as well as in what are commonly known as "passions," occurs again in James 5:17. There is, it will be noted, a striking parallelism between St. Paul's language here, and that of Peter to Cornelius (Acts 10:26).

Ye should turn from these vanities.--The demonstrative pronoun implies a corresponding gesture. The Apostle points to all the pomp and pageantry of the intended sacrifice. The words "vanity and "vain" were almost the invariable terms used by Jews to describe the emptiness and worthlessness of heathen worship (Ephesians 4:17; 1Peter 1:18; and, in the Old Testament, 1Samuel 12:21). In contrast with these dead and dumb things, the Apostle calls on them to turn to God, who truly lives and acts, and is the source of all life and power, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Giver of all good gifts, the Judge of all evil deeds. In contrast, alike, with the popular polytheism which assigned heaven, and earth, and sea to different deities, and to the speculative Pantheism which excluded will and purpose from its conception of the Godhead, he proclaims the One God as having every attribute of personal Life and Being. . . .

Verse 15. - Bring you good tidings for preach unto you, A.V.; vain things for vanities, A.V.; who for which, A.V.; the heaven and the earth for heaven and earth, A.V.; that in them is for things that are therein, A.V. For the declaration, We also are men of like passions with you, compare Peter's saying to Cornelius (Acts 10:26), "Stand up; I myself also am a man." St. Paul finely contrasts the utter vanity, i.e. the impotence, lifelessness, uselessness, and unprofitableness of the idols, with the power of the living God, who by his word created heaven and earth and sea, and filled them all with beauty, shape, and life.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Men,
Ἄνδρες (Andres)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

why
τί (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

are you doing
ποιεῖτε (poieite)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

this?
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

We
ἡμεῖς (hēmeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

too
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

are [only]
ἐσμεν (esmen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

men,
ἄνθρωποι (anthrōpoi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

human
ὁμοιοπαθεῖς (homoiopatheis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3663: From homoios and the alternate of pascho; similarly affected.

like you.
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

We are bringing you good news
εὐαγγελιζόμενοι (euangelizomenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2097: From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel.

that you should turn
ἐπιστρέφειν (epistrephein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1994: From epi and strepho; to revert.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

these
τούτων (toutōn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

worthless things
ματαίων (mataiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3152: Vain, unreal, ineffectual, unproductive; practically: godless. From the base of maten; empty, i.e. profitless, or, an idol.

to
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

[the] living
ζῶντα (zōnta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2198: To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.

God,
θεὸν (theon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

who
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

made
ἐποίησεν (epoiēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

heaven
οὐρανὸν (ouranon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

earth
γῆν (gēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

sea
θάλασσαν (thalassan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2281: Probably prolonged from hals; the sea.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

everything
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

them.
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Neuter 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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